agriculture sectoral overview - galway dashboard

Agriculture Sectoral Overview

Galway City and County Economic and Industrial Baseline Study

AGRICULTURE SECTORAL

OVERVIEW

James Cunningham Brendan Dolan

David Kelly Chris Young

14/04/2015

Table of Contents

Executive Summary Overview of the Agriculture Sector ..................................... 6

Global Overview of the Agriculture Sector ........................................................... 9 1.1 Global Farms ................................................................................................... 9

1.2 Global Grain Market ...................................................................................... 10

1.3 Global Crop Yields ........................................................................................ 11

1.4 Global Fertiliser Market ................................................................................. 11

1.5 Global Meat Market ....................................................................................... 13

1.6 Global Milk Market ......................................................................................... 13

1.7 EU Policy Objectives ..................................................................................... 15

1.7.1 Minimising Market Distortions ....................................................................... 15

1.7.2 Refraining from the use of export subsidies .................................................. 15

1.7.3 Sustainability as a Central Component ......................................................... 15

1.7.4 Termination of EU Sugar Production Quotas ................................................ 15

1.7.5 The Economic Partnership Agreements ........................................................ 15

1.7.6 EU Biofuels Policy Impacts ........................................................................... 16

National Overview of the Agriculture Sector ...................................................... 17

2 National Overview ........................................................................................ 17 2.1 National Farms .............................................................................................. 17

2.2 National Exports ............................................................................................ 20

2.3 National Grain Market ................................................................................... 21

2.4 National Fertiliser Market .............................................................................. 23

2.5 National Meat Market .................................................................................... 23

2.6 National Milk Market ...................................................................................... 25

2.7 National Policy Objectives ............................................................................. 26

Regional and Local Overview of the Agriculture Sector .................................... 28

3 Regional and Local Overview ...................................................................... 28 3.1 Regional Farm Sizes and Incomes ............................................................... 28

3.2 Regional Grain Market .................................................................................. 34

3.3 Regional Fertiliser Market ............................................................................. 35

3.4 Regional Meat Market ................................................................................... 35

3.5 Regional Milk Market ..................................................................................... 38

3.6 Sector Development and Support ................................................................. 39

3.7 Galway County and City Food Markets ......................................................... 41

4 References ................................................................................................... 43

THE WHITAKER INSTITUTE

AGRICULTURE SECTORAL OVERVIEW 5

Acknowledgements We wish to acknowledge the support of Liam Hanrahan, Patricia Philbin, Sharon Carroll, Niamh

Farrell of Galway City Council and Alan Farrell and Brian Barrett of Galway County Council in

preparing this sectoral review.

Our Approach1 Our approach in undertaking this overview of the agriculture sector was to take a global and

national perspective before focusing on the regional and local level. One of the main limitations

we faced preparing this sector review is the lack of quality and reliable data at the local level.

The framing of the global and national level overviews against publicly available local data

provides a basis and context to consider the future of the in Galway City and County.

1 The information contained in this overview has been compiled from many sources that are not all controlled by the Whitaker Institute. While all reasonable care has been taken in the compilation and publication of the contents of this resource, Whitaker Institute makes no representations or warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy or suitability of the information or materials contained in this resource.



Executive Summary Overview of the Agriculture Sector

Global Overview • There are 1.5 million indigenous farmers feeding the world’s population.

• There are more people engaged in farming than any other profession in the world.

• 32 hectares is the average farm size in Europe.

• The global grain market is highly concentrated and dominated by four main companies.

• To meet the estimated crop needs of 2050, global production may need to increase

between 60% and 70%

• The global market for fertilizer is 180 million tonnes with growing industry consolidation

• The EU accounts for 16% of global meat production and the market is predicted to grow at 14% over the next 10 years due to an increased demand for beef in the Middle East and Asia.

• Some 620 billion litres of milk was produced in 2013, with 10 countries producing 57%

of this milk production.

• There is a 5% increase in milk production predicted in the EU by 2024.

• EU policies are focused on minimizing market distortions, refraining from the use of export subsidies, sustainability and termination of EU sugar production

National Overview • Ireland is the most expensive country in the world to buy farmland. • The operating surplus increased by 2% in 2013, with milk output increasing by 25.5%

and cattle output decreasing by 1.1%. • Dairy (26%), food processing (15%) and beef (14%) are the top three primary areas of

business for Irish agribusinesses. • 80% of total dairy and beef production is exported with the UK being the leading export

market accounting for 69% of Ireland’s exports. • The top 2 cereal productions are spring barley and winter wheat.



• Ireland is the 4th largest beef exporter but the average cattle farm income has declined from €19,183 in 2011 to €15,667 in 2013.

• Some 80% of a 5.4 billion milk pool is processed by five dairy companies and the

average dairy income increased by 31% in 2013 compared to 2012.

Regional and Local Overview • There are 13,445 farms in Galway, 14,730 average work and labour units, €13,852 is

the average labour output and 615,877 total hectares • Galway has the highest number of farms in the West of Ireland with an average farm

size of 25.8 hectares. • There is a trend in the number of large farms increasing while the number of small

farms is decreasing. • 65% of farms in Galway are for beef production. • There has been a 55% decrease in specialist dairy farms since 2000 and 33% decrease

in mixed grazing livestock farms. • The average output of farms in Galway (€13,852) is 54% less than the State’s average

output (€30,726) in 2010. • Over 65 year olds are the largest cohort of farm holders and 34 % of farm enterprises

do not generate sufficient income. • Economically viable farms increased from 27% in 2010 to 35% in 2011. • Some 380 farms produce cereals with 280 farms producing spring barley. • Fertilizer spreading costs is greater in Galway than other counties. • There were 11,247 cattle farms in 2010, with 420,205 cattle and 24, 928 being dairy

cows. • Galway has 6.3% of total cattle stock in Ireland, 2.3% of Ireland’s dairy cow stock and

has the most cattle in the State after Cork. • After Donegal, Galway has the most sheep in the State at 576,463 sheep • Galway has the most goats in the State. • There are 3,916 sheep farms, 60 pig farms, 810 poultry farms (the largest number after

Cork in the State). • There are 151 milk producers in County Galway and the sixth largest number of dairy

cows in the sector. • There are 10 farmers’ markets ranking Galway number four in the State after Dublin,

Cork and Kerry.



• Agricultural education has been provided in Mountbellew Agricultural College since

1904.



Global Overview of the Agriculture Sector

Global Overview

Introduction

Global population growth and the increase in the global middle classes are generating

substantial demand for food, in particular, protein-rich foods. Due to the increase in wealth in

Asia, the global middle class is predicted to triple from 1.8 billion to 3.2 billion in 2020 and to 4.9

billion by 2030 with the total global population increasing to 9 billion by 2050 (Yeuh, 2013). The

globalisation of the agriculture industry has given rise to a small number of companies being

established as industry superpowers. For example Fonterra is the world’s largest dairy

processor, processing 21.6 billion litres of milk per year out of a global pool of 620 billion litres.

JBS is the global leader in beef processing, slaughtering 500,000 cattle per week. To put this to

scale, the entire country of Ireland slaughters on average 28,000 cattle per week (KPMG,

2014).

Global Overview

1.1 Global Farms

There are approximately 1.5 billion indigenous farmers feeding the world’s population. There

are more people engaged in farming than any other profession in the world. The average farm

size in Asia is 1 hectare, while in Australia it is 3,500 hectares and in the US it is 200 hectares.

Some 98% of farms in China are 2 hectares in size accounting for 198 million farms while in

India 82% of farms are less than 2 hectares accounting for 98 million farms. Table 1 shows the

average global farm sizes with Europe’s average farm size at 32 hectares with 30 % of farms

being less than 2 hectares (KPMG, 2014).



Table 1: Average Global Farm Size

Region Average Size (ha) % <= 2 ha

Australia 3,601 0 Canada 273 7 New Zealand 222 7 USA 178 4 South America 111 36 Europe 32 30 Ireland 32 1 Sub-Saharan Africa 2 69 China 1 98 (Adapted from KPMG, 2014) The agricultural sector has different sub sectors including the grain market, crop yields, the

fertiliser market, meat and milk market (EPA, 2012). An overview of each subsector is now

provided.

1.2 Global Grain Market

The global grain sector is extremely concentrated and is dominated by four companies – Archer

Daniels Midlands (ADM), Bunge, Cargill and Louis Dreyfus. These four companies control

between 75% and 90% of the global grain market. They collectively trade half a billion tonnes

of commodities per year. Figure 1 illustrates the revenue earned by these four companies in

2013. ADM and Bunge are both publically owned allowing for finance to be raised on the

markets. Louise Dreyfus and Cargill on the other hand are privately owned (KPMG, 2104).

Global Wheat production for 2014 was 702 million tonnes, which is the second largest harvest

after 2013. This 1.9% reduction is concentrated in Canada. International trade is forecasted to

decline by one million tonnes. Asia has a continued strong demand for wheat and purchases by

the EU are predicted to increase (FAO, 2014).



Figure 1: Top Four Global Grain Companies, 2013

(Adapted from KPMG, 2014).

1.3 Global Crop Yields

Global crop production has expanded threefold over the past 50 years due to higher yields per

unit of land and crop intensification (FAO, 2013). In order to meet the estimated crop needs of

2050 however, global agricultural production may need to increase by between 60% and 110%.

Maize, rice, wheat and soybean are currently increasing by between 0.9% and 1.6% per year,

which will only increase production by 38%-67% by 2050. In Guatemala; a corn-dependent

society, the population is growing while corn production is decreasing (Ray et al., 2013).

Agriculture requires the use of 70% of the world’s water supply. In order to feed the growing

global population, more water will be needed. It is estimated that the world will run out of water

before oil. By 2020, between 13% and 15% of global course grain and vegetable oil and 30% of

sugar cane will have to be used for fuel instead of food (OECD/FAO, 2013).

1.4 Global Fertiliser Market

The fertiliser market is dominated by ten companies controlling half the global market. The

global market is 180 million tonnes of fertiliser. Consolidation, like most sectors of agriculture is

the general trend. Different nutrients are used in fertiliser production. Nitrogen accounts for

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Cargill ADM Louis Dreyfus Bunge

Revenue 2013 ($bn)

Employees 000's



61% of the market. Producers using this nutrient are located close to natural gas supplies. The

trade of phosphate products is dominated by phosphate rock and processed phosphate

fertilisers. Morocco accounts for half of the world’s export of phosphate rock. Phosphate rock

and potassium are mined fertilisers and account for 23% and 16% of the nutrient market. China

was the largest importer of phosphates up until 2005, when it became self-sufficient, and is now

a large exporter. Potassium is essential for all plant life and has a global production of 57

million tonnes, mined by only twelve countries, dominated by Canada and Russia (KPMG,

2014). Figure 2 displays the top ten global fertiliser companies.

Figure 2: Top Ten Global Fertiliser Companies

(Adapted from KPMG, 2014)

Agrium (Canada)

Mosaic (USA)

Potashcorp (Canada)

CF Industries (USA)

Yara (Norway)

K+S Group (Germany)

Eurochem (Russia)

Israel Chemicals ltd

Uralkali (Russia)

Sinofert Holdings (China)

11.5

19.3

17.6

14.8

30.1

6.9

10.6

5.2

9.4

16.3

Sales Volume (MT)



1.5 Global Meat Market

The U.S. and Brazil are the leading meat processors in the world. The meat sector is highly

concentrated with there being four companies in the U.S. Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef

controlling 85% of the market. Tyson, Cargill and JBS also control 37% of the U.S. pork market.

Tyson and JBS also control 40% of the chicken market. Europe in contrast is a fragmented

market, with many different companies owning smaller market shares. The EU accounts for

over 16% of global meat production. JBS is the largest meat processor in the world, with sales

in 2013 reaching $41.9 billion. It has a weekly slaughter capacity of 500,000 cattle, 350,000

pigs, 125,000 lambs and 60 million chickens (see Table 2). The OECD FAO Agricultural

Outlook publication predicts that the EU beef market will increase moderately up until 2016,

where it will then experience a marginal reduction over the next few years. The global market in

contrast is predicted to increase by 14% over the next ten years due to the increased demand

for beef in the Middle East and Asia (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 2014).

Table 2: Top Five Global Meat Processing Companies

Company Sales Employees

JBS (Brazil) $41.9 billion 185,000 Tyson (USA) $34.4 billion 115,000 Cargill (USA) $20 billion 145,000 Brasil Foods (USA) $13.6 billion 110,000 Marfrig (Brazil) $8.4 billion 90,000 (Adapted from Bord Bia, 2014)

1.6 Global Milk Market

In 2013, 620 billion litres of milk was produced, with ten countries producing 57% of this.

Twenty companies handled a quarter of the global milk pool. Figure 3 illustrates the leading

milk producing companies. The consolidation of this industry is strategic and decisive due to

the commoditised nature of the product, which makes economies of scale necessary (KPMG,

2014). The abolition of milk quotas in 2015 gives rise to a predicted 5% increase in milk

production in the EU over the next decade. World and EU dairy prices are forecasted to rise

over the next ten years to the westernisation of diets, increased incomes and the demand,

especially from the Asian, North African and the Middle Eastern markets (Department of

Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 2014).



Figure 3: Leading Milk Producing Companies with Annual Production


Arla has an annual turnover of €9.8 billion. It is the sixth largest dairy company in the world. It

is the result of a Danish and Swedish merger, processing 90% of the Danish and 66% of the

Swedish milk pool. FrieslandCampina is the fifth largest dairy company and processes 60% of

milk pool within the Netherlands. This company was also the result of several mergers.

Fonterra, with a turnover of $16 billion is the fourth largest dairy company. It supplies 90% of

the New Zealand milk pool. New Zealand is the largest global exporter of milk as Fonterra

accounts for 30% of global exports. This company was formed via the merger of two of New

Zealand’s largest dairy cooperatives. Dairy Farmers America (DFA) has a turnover of $12.8

billion and is the seventh largest dairy company. The U.S. is the largest milk producer,

producing 90 billion litres which is 15% of global milk. It was formed through the merger of four

of the nation’s largest milk cooperatives. Nestlé and Danone are the largest milk companies by

turnover accounting for a combined $59 billion in sales. These companies purchase their milk

from nearby milk processors as opposed to directly from farmers (KPMG, 2014).

0 5 10 15 20 25

Fonterra (New Zealand)

DFA (USA Coopera]ve)

Lactalis (France)

Nestle (Switzerland)

Arla (Coopera]ve)

Dean (USA)

Danone (Spain)

Friesland (Netherlands)

DMK (Germany)

Mondelez (USA)

22

17

15

12

12.7

12

7.5

10.7

6.9

7.8

billion litres



1.7 EU Policy Objectives

1.7.1 Minimising Market Distortions

The most dramatic change to the European Union’s common agricultural policy over the last 10

years has been the change in direction away from ‘coupled’ support. Most direct support is now

non-trade distorting which is decoupled from production (European Commission, 2015).

1.7.2 Refraining from the use of export subsidies

The systematic use of export refunds, used to bridge the gap between high EU prices and lower

world prices has now been decreased to be used only in times of market crisis. As of January

2014 an end was put to the use of all export refunds for products exported to Africa entering into

a full economic partnership with the EU (European Commission, 2015).

1.7.3 Sustainability as a Central Component

The new common agricultural policy ensures environment credentials and product quality. Over

60% of the budget is for direct payments and rural developments that will benefit the

environment. Sustainable practices such as enhanced efficiency in fertiliser use has decreased

greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in the EU by 24% in the period 1990-2012

(European Commission, 2015).

1.7.4 Termination of EU Sugar Production Quotas

The 2013 common agricultural policy reform stated that sugar quotas will expire in 2017. The

EU has provided over €1.25 billion in development assistance to sugar dependent economies to

assist them in adapting to the new market through diversification. Sugar imports from the 79

countries bound by the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement have increased from an average of 1.5

million tonnes in 2006 to 2.2 million tonnes in 2014 (European Commission, 2015).

1.7.5 The Economic Partnership Agreements

Under the ‘Everything but Arms’ initiative, the EU’s less developed countries are given duty and

quota free access to the EU market aimed at eradicating poverty and enhancing their

agricultural production (European Commission, 2015).



1.7.6 EU Biofuels Policy Impacts

The EU biofuels and renewable energy policy ensure awareness of the negativities involved in

biofuel production such as food prices. Biofuel imports into the EU are from well-developed

agricultural biofuel sectors with avoidance towards countries that have high risk to food security

or weak land-use rights (European Commission, 2015).



National Overview of the Agriculture Sector

National Overview

Introduction

Agriculture is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry. It employs 175,300 people (Department of

Agriculture, 2014). Growth is strong, employment is increasing and substantial investments

have been made.

2 National Overview 2.1 National Farms

Ireland has coveted natural advantages for farming, including fertile soils, temperate climate

and a steady supply of rain water. Due to this climate and the moderating effects of the Gulf

Stream, ryegrass grows particularly well, and is used for livestock feed. According to a recent

survey by the Financial Times, Ireland is the most expensive country in the world to buy farming

land; next is New Zealand, followed by Demark. Figure 4 illustrates the most expensive

farmland in the world (Whelan, 2014). This high price is influenced by the EU’s abolition of milk

quotas in 2015, creating a high demand for dairy land. Irish farmland is generally sold only

once in 400 or 500 years, while it is sold every 70 years in France (Whelan, 2014).



Figure 4: Farmland Prices, 2014

(Adapted from Whelan, 2014) The operating surplus (as can be seen in Figure 5) in agriculture in 2013 shows an annual

increase of 2%. Goods output at producer prices increased by 5.7% or €385.2 million since

2012. Milk output increased by 25.5%, but cattle output decreased by 1.1% along with cereal

output, decreasing by 32.4%. Pig output increased 7.8% and total intermediate consumption

increased by 3.8% (CSO, 2014).

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

Euro per acre



Figure 5: Operating Surplus and Net Subsidies, 2011-2013

(Adapted from CSO, 2014). As can be seen from Figure 6, Dairy is the primary area of business of Irish Agribusinesses

followed by food processing and beef (KPMG, 2014).

Figure 6: Primary Areas of Business of Irish Agribusinesses


0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

Goods Output €m

Intermediate Consump]on

€m

Net Subsidies €m

Opera]ng Surplus €m

2011 6,308 4,829 1,804 2,450

2012 6,717 5,293 1,639 2,242

2013 7,102 5,494 1,500 2,286

€ million

Dairy Food Processing

Beef Machinery Grain & cereals

26%

15% 14%

9% 6%



2.2 National Exports

Ireland exports to 46 countries worldwide, exporting over 80% of its total dairy and beef

production (KMPG, 2014). Agri-food exports have a 10% share of total exports (Teagasc,

2013). Ireland is the largest net exporter of beef in the world (KPMG, 2014). The UK is the

leading export market for agribusinesses accounting for 69% of Ireland’s exports, while 20% go

to Europe (see Figure 7). The two main import locations are Europe accounting for 43% and

the UK at 42% (see Figure 8). As the Euro currency has weakened against sterling it improves

the competitiveness of Irish exports to the UK (Teagasc, 2014).

Figure 7: Primary Export Destinations


Europe

UK

USA

Africa & Mideast

Asia

20%

69%

2%

5%

4%

Export



Figure 8: Main Import Regions


2.3 National Grain Market

The volume of farmland used for cereal production is illustrated in Figure 9 with 150,000

hectares being used for spring barley and 60,000 hectares being used for winter wheat (Bergin,

2014). Figure 10 displays the Irish cereal production volumes from 2009 to 2014. In 2012 there

was a reduction in all grain production due to large amounts of rainfall. The changing and

unpredictable climate can have a major influence over grain production in Ireland (Dermody,

2012).

Europe

UK

USA

Africa & Mideast

Asia

43%

43%

9%

0%

5%

Imports



Figure 9: Irish Cereal Area (‘000ha)

(Adapted from Bergin, 2014).

Figure 10: Irish Cereal Production (‘000 tonnes) 2009-2014

(Adapted from Bergin, 2014).

0 20 40 60 80

100 120 140 160 180

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Winter Wheat 63 54 77 83 45 60

Spring Wheat 20 16 16 13 15 12

Winter Barley 19 26 35 41 36 45

Spring Barley 171 131 143 149 175 150

Winter Oats 9 9 9 10 7 12

Spring Oats 11 8 10 14 15 7

Irish Cereal A

rea ('0

00ha

)

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Wheat 627 595 905 599 514 601

Barley 1,104 1,050 1,388 1,083 1,458 1,331

Oats 127 122 151 145 142 137

Irish Cereal Produ

c8on

('000 tonn

es)



2.4 National Fertiliser Market

Ireland imports the necessary fertiliser nutrients and then blends, packs and distributes them for

a profit margin, gained from selling to merchants and co-ops (KMPG, 2014). There are five

main fertiliser companies in Ireland who collectively handle 1.3 million tonnes. Approximately

25% of fertilisers used in Ireland are Russian produced or Russian supplied. A trade war

between the EU and Russia could sky rocket Irish fertiliser prices (Halleron, 2014).

2.5 National Meat Market

Ireland is the fourth largest beef exporter in the world. In 2013, 180,900 cattle and 300 tonnes

of beef were exported (CSO, 2013). Ireland is also a large grass-fed lamb producer, exporting

1,653,000 in 2014, which is up 3.5% from the previous year (BordBia, 2014). More than

100,000 farms have a beef enterprise. Ireland exports 90% of beef production. 60% of meat

processing is accounted for by three firms – ABP, Dawn Meats and the Kepak Group (KMPG,

2014). Ireland slaughters on average 28,000 cattle per week.

Production of beef in Ireland increased in 2014 and a considerable gap has emerged between

Irish factory beef prices and UK prices. The farm profitability is farm specific. While margins for

cattle finishers are likely to decline, margins for cattle rearing farms should improve (Teagasc,

2014).

There are approximately 16,700 cattle rearing farms in Ireland with an average family farm

income of €9,541 in 2013, which is a 22% reduction on 2012 (Teagasc, 2013b). This reduction

was driven by higher costs such as increased feed expenditure. Only 14% of cattle rearing

farms produced a farm income of €20,000 or more. Figure 11 illustrates the fluctuating average

cattle rearing farm income between 2011 and 2013 (Teagasc, 2013).



Figure 11: Average Cattle Farm Income, 2011-2013

(Adapted from Teagasc, 2013).

There are approximately 12,650 sheep farms in Ireland with an average family farm income of

€11,731 as of 2013. This is a 36% decrease on 2012 due to an increase in direct costs and a

reduction in output. Average lamb prices increased somewhat in 2013 from an average of €94

to €95. 31% of sheep farms produce a family income of €5,000 or less in 2013 and 21% earn

between €5,000 and €10,000. Only 8% of sheep farms earn an income of €30,000 or more

(Teagasc, 2013).

Regarding the pig sector of Ireland, 2013 saw a drop of 1.2% in the total number of pigs. Since

cereals account for 75% of pig feed, the increase in cereal prices negatively impact the pig

market. It is estimated that as of June, 2013 there was 1,552,000 pigs in Ireland (CSO, 2014b).

Ireland has the 16th highest population of pigs in the EU, with Germany having the most at 27.4

million pigs. In 2013, the number of breeding pigs was up 2.5% while non-breeding pig

numbers were down by 0.1%. A 6% increase in pig meat prices resulted in a 3% increase in

the value of Irish pig meat exports. Exports have been shifting from Continental Europe to

international markets. 37% of pig meat exports are for the international market, with China and

Russia accounting for approximately three quarters of this trade (Department of Agriculture,

2014).

Last year’s budget introduced a new Beef Genomics Scheme and this year it is being further

developed with a total package of €74 million being provided for the beef sector in 2015. A

2011 2012 2013

19,183 17,896

15,667

Average income €



payment of €100 per animal for the first 10 animals is to be delivered with the remaining animals

being eligible for an €80 payment per animal. This will account for €52 million. The sum of €9

million will fund the Beef Data Programme and a further €6 million will assist farmer participation

in the Beef Quality Assurance Scheme. In addition €1 million has been allocated for Beef

Efficiency Programme and another €1 million has been allocated to Bord Bia to support the

marketing of Irish beef abroad (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 2015).

2.6 National Milk Market

The Irish milk sector is a grass-based production system. Unlike other countries, five dairy

companies process 80% of a 5.4 billion litre milk pool. Figure 12 shows the five main dairy

companies in Ireland. Finland for example has a milk pool which is half the size of Ireland but

has one company (Valio) that processes 85% of the country’s milk. Milk levels are forecasted to

reach 7.4 billion litres by 2020, allowing for greater dairy export levels to the global market. The

Irish Dairy Board, with a turnover of €2 billion was established in 1961 to solely export dairy

products. It exports 60% of Ireland’s milk accounting for 2.8 billion litres of milk (Irish Dairy

Board, 2013). The average dairy farm income increased by 31% in 2013 compared to 2012,

while non-dairy farms experienced declines in average incomes (Department of Agriculture,

Food and the Marine, 2014). Figure 13 illustrates the average farm incomes of both dairy and

non-dairy farms, between 2011 and 2013. The average family farm income increased by 28%

in 2013, reversing the decline of 2012 (Teagasc, 2013).

Figure 12: Primary Milk Producing Companies in Ireland


0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6

Glanbia

Kerry

Lakeland

Dairygold

Aurivo

1.6

1

0.5

1

0.25

billion litres



Figure 13: Average Farm Income verses Average Dairy Farm Income

(Adapted from Teagasc, 2013).

2.7 National Policy Objectives

The Food Harvest 2020 is a strategy to chart the direction of agri-food, forestry and fisheries for

the 10 years beginning in 2010. Over 200 recommendations and suggestions were made

towards which government and private enterprise will work. In addition targets were set,

including: increasing the value of primary output of the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector

by €1.5 billion; improving the value added in the sector by €3 billion; achieving an export target

of €12 billion; increasing milk production by a half and adding 20% to the value of the beef

sector (Department of Agriculture, 2011).

A target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 2020 and 2030 was recently settled at

reducing emissions by 40% compared with 1990 levels. This enables the future build-up of the

dairy sector to be able to proceed without the risk of EU fines (Lynch & Beesley, 2014).

2011 2012 2013

30,095 25,479 25,437

67,847

49,290

62,994

Average Family Farm Income € Average Dairy Farm income €



The abolition of the milk quota in 2015 could be worth €1.3 billion and create 15,000 jobs to the

economy according to the National Dairy Council, underpinned by a growing global population

(Department of Finance, 2014).



Regional and Local Overview of the Agriculture Sector

Regional and Local Overview

Introduction According to the most recent data source, Galway has 614,877 hectares of farmland (CSO,

2010) with 13,445 farms. The average standard output for farms in Galway is €13,852, while

the average for the State is €30,726 with Monaghan and then Louth being the most profitable

(see Table 3).


Region Total Hectares Total Farms Labour Input Annual work units

Avg. Labour Output

Galway 347,123 13,445 14,730 €13,852 State 4,568,938 139,860 162,345 €30,726 Monaghan 106,288 4,565 5,202 €45,534 Louth 60,938 1,676 1,919 €44,837 (Adapted from CSO, 2010)

3 Regional and Local Overview 3.1 Regional Farm Sizes and Incomes

As of 2010, Galway has 13,445 farms. Figure 14 compares the number of farms in Galway and

its neighbouring counties during the years 1991, 2000 and 2010 (CSO, 2010b). Although all

counties’ farm numbers have decreased from 1991 to 2010, Galway has always had the largest

number of farms in the West.



Figure 14: Number of Farms in Galway and Neighbouring Counties

(Adpated from CSO, 2010b).

The average farm size in Galway is 25.8 hectares. Figure 15 shows the range of farm sizes in

Galway. As can be seen from the graph, the majority of farms in Galway are between 10 and

20 hectares, with the fewest amounts of farms being less than 2 hectares followed by 217 farms

with greater than 100 hectares. The number of farms greater or equal to 100 hectares has

increased from 145 in 1991 to 217 in 2010. Farm numbers between 30 hectares and 100

hectares have also increased in size since 1991. In contrast all farms that are less than 30

hectares have deceased in numbers. In other words the number of large farms in Galway is

increasing, while the number of smaller farms is decreasing (CSO, 1991, CSO, 2000; CSO,

2012).

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

Galway Mayo Sligo Leitrim Roscommon

Claire

1991 16,244 14,909 5,524 4,516 7,811 8,229

2000 13,662 12,537 4,505 3,724 6,434 6,720

2010 13,445 12,458 4,395 3,673 6,313 6,550



Figure 15: Number of Farms in Galway Classified by Farm Size

(Adapted from CSO, 2010b; CSO, 2000; CSO, 2012)

With respect to the number of Galway farms classified by type of farm, the large majority of

farms in Galway are specialist beef production farms (see Figure 16). In fact 65% of farms in

Galway are for beef production. Beef production farms and specialist sheep farms and to a

lesser extent mixed crops and livestock farms are the only type of farms to have increased in

number over the decade between 2000 and 2010. All other types of farms in Galway have

decreased in number during that timeframe. Specialist dairy farms have reduced by 55% since

2000 and mixed grazing livestock farms have decreased by 33% (CSO 2010b; CSO, 2000;

CSO 2012).

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

< 2 ha

2 -‐< 10 ha

10 -‐< 20 ha

20 -‐< 30 ha

30 -‐< 50 ha

50 -‐< 100 ha

>= 100 ha

< 2 ha 2 -‐< 10 ha 10 -‐< 20 ha 20 -‐< 30 ha 30 -‐< 50 ha 50 -‐< 100 ha >= 100 ha

1991 4,671 6,095 2,894 1,829 610 145

2000 179 3,005 4,355 2,646 2,281 981 147

2010 157 2,764 4,140 2,631 2,489 1,047 217



Figure 16: Number of Farms in Galway Classified by Type of Farm

(Adapted from CSO, 2012; CSO, 2000).

The average farm size in the West of Ireland is 39 hectares, generating an average income of

€368 per hectare (see Figure17). Therefore the average standard output of farms in the West

of Ireland is €14,252 (Teagasc, 2013b). The Southeast of Ireland has the largest average farm

size at 691 hectares followed by the South. Farms in the Southeast of Ireland in comparison on

average generate €38,005.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

72 430

8,672

1,233

2,083

101

818

36 90

955

8,156

1,198

3,110

99 54

2010 2000



Figure 17: Regional Overview: Average Farm Income and Size

(Adapted from Teagasc, 2013b).

The average standard output of farms in the West of Ireland is decreasing (see Figure 18).

Although farms in Galway generate on average the highest output within the west, the average

output of farms in Galway is 54% less than the State’s average standard output (CSO, 2012;

CSO, 2000).

Figure 18: Average Standard Output of West Irish Farms, 2000, 2010

(Adapted from CSO, 2012; CSO, 2000)

Border

East

Midlands

Southwest

Southeast

South

West

42

55

49

49

55

50

39

373

518

480

639

691

646

368

Farm Income €/ha Farm Size (ha)

Galway Mayo Roscommon State 2000 €14,520 €14,520 €13,800 €24,840

2010 €13,852 €11,473 €13,508 €30,726

€0 €5,000 €10,000 €15,000 €20,000 €25,000 €30,000 €35,000



The largest cohort of farm holders in Galway is over 65 years old (see Figure 19). There are

only 601 farm holders under the age of 35, suggesting that it is a declining industry within

Galway (CSO, 2012). Agriculture is a declining industry due to rural poverty. There is need for

up-to-date research outlining the extent and nature of rural and farm household poverty

(Teagasc, 2014). While the proportion of economically viable farms increased to 35% in 2011

from 27% in 2010, 34% of farm enterprise did not generate sufficient income, whereas 31%

were considered as sustainable but due to the presence of an external off-farm income. The

most appropriate means of tackling this is to simultaneously support the strategic development

and diversification of the local economy through the up-skilling and where necessary re-skilling

of farmers (Teagasc, 2014). Local shops and services cannot compete with large shopping

centres and unreliable broadband deters enterprises from setting up (Healy, 2014).

The Commission for the Economic Development Rural Areas (CEDRA) is an establishment with

the goal of finding the economic potential of rural Ireland and how best to channel funding and

resources between now and 2025 (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 2014).

Figure 19: Age of Farm Holders in Galway

(Adapted from CSO, 2012).

< 35

35 -‐ 44

45 -‐ 54

44 -‐ 64

>= 65

601

1,905

3,070

3,507

4,351

Age of Farm Holders



The average farm size and income differs considerably according to its region. Galway’s West

region has the lowest average farm income of only €12,864 per farm or €368 per. The West

also has the smallest farms with an average farm size of 24.8 hectares and the most farms after

the Southern & Eastern regions at 32,216 farms. The Southeast has the most profitable farms

with an average income of €50,977 as well as the largest farms at an average of 42.6 hectares

(CSO, 2012). This would suggest that the Western region of Ireland needs a strategy of

consolidation, where smaller bordering farms in the West merge to create a larger more

profitable farm.


Region Avg. Farm Size Total Farms Most Farm Type Avg.

Income State 32.7 (ha) 139,860 SBP* (77,738) €30,726

Galway 25.8 (ha) 13,445 SBP* (8,672) €13,852 West 24.8 (ha) 32,216 SBP* (20,660) €12,864

Midland 35.1 (ha) 12,834 SBP* (8,724) €30,945 Border 26.8 (ha) 28,831 SBP* (16,411) €23,682

Southern & Eastern 38.6 (ha) 65,679 SBP* (31,943) €42,482

Mid-West 34.9 (ha) 16,346 SBP* (10,781) €31,301 South-East 42.4 (ha) 16,660 SBP* (6,798) €50,977 South-West 36.6 (ha) 22,634 SBP* (9,920) €42,225 (Adapted from CSO, 2012)

*SBP (Specialist Beef Production)

3.2 Regional Grain Market

There are 380 farms in Galway that produce cereals, with 10 farms that produce winter wheat,

while 20 farms produce spring wheat. Some 10 farms produce winter oats and 130 farms

produce spring oats. Some 10 farms produce winter barley and 280 farms produce spring

barley. Figure 20 illustrates the number of farms growing cereals in Galway. Spring Barley

Farms are the most common at 280 farms followed by spring oat producing farms (CSO, 2012).



Figure 20: Number of Farms Growing Cereals in Galway


3.3 Regional Fertiliser Market

Fertiliser-spreading costs increased by over 13% over 2011 to a national average of €35 per

tonne. Galway, however experienced a greater increase, resulting in fertiliser costing €50 per

tonne compared to just €14 per tonne in Kerry. These increasing prices have been influenced

by the spiralling diesel costs (McCullough & Brady, 2012).

3.4 Regional Meat Market

Galway has 11,247 cattle farms as of 2010. There are 420,205 cattle in Galway, with 24,928

being dairy cows. Figure 21 shows the percentage of cattle in Galway that are dairy cows

(CSO, 2012). The total number of cattle in Ireland is 6,606,585, with the total number of dairy

cows being 1,070,755. Galway has 6.3% of Ireland’s total cattle stock and 2.3% of Ireland’s

dairy cow stock.

Winter Wheat

Spring Wheat

Winter Oats

Spring Oats

Winter Barley

Spring Barley

Other Cereals

10

20

10

130

10

280

10

Number of Farms



Figure 21: Percentage of Cattle in Galway that are Dairy Cows


After Cork, Galway has the most cattle in the State, followed by Limerick and then Kerry.

Galway however is sixth on the ranking of most dairy cows, with Cork having 284,050, which is

11 times more than Galway (see Table 5). Even though Galway and Cork have a similar

amount of cattle farms, Cork has almost 2 and a half times as many cattle. Galway also has the

most breeding bulls in the country after Cork, accounting for almost half of the bulls in the West

(CSO, 2012).


Region Total Cattle Total Cattle Farms Dairy Cows Breeding

Bulls State 6,606,585 110,995 1,070,755 52,043 West 908,003 26,011 45,062 7,887 Galway 420,205 11,247 24,928 3,693 Cork 990,603 11,595 284,050 6,940 Limerick 388,129 5,330 94,066 2,875 Kerry 323,957 6,455 84,444 3,236 (Adapted from CSO, 2012)

More than a quarter (26.6%) of the national flock of sheep is located in the Western region of

Galway/Mayo/Roscommon. Total sheep in Galway comes to 530,267 with an average flock

Dairy Cows, 24,928

Breeding Bulls, 3,693

Other Breeding Cakle, 109,092

Cakle for Beef, 282,492



size of 95 (National Sheep and Goat Census, 2013). After Donegal with 576,463 sheep,

Galway has the most sheep in the state. Galway also has the most goats in the country, with

1,160, accounting for 70% of the West’s total goat stock. There are 3,916 sheep farms in

Galway and even though Mayo has the most sheep farms in the West, Galway has the largest

sheep stock (see Table 6) (CSO, 2012).

Table 6: Comparison of National and Regional Sheep and Goat Statistics

Region Total Sheep Total Sheep Farms Total Goats Total Goat

Farms State 4,745,424 32,111 10,520 1,203 West 1,262,936 9,868 1,673 250 Galway 530,267 3,916 1,160 100 Donegal 576,463 5,042 385 70 Cork 247,766 1,719 805 100 Kerry 433,546 2,197 723 90 (Adapted from CSO, 2012).

In reference to the regional pig and deer market, Galway has 60 pig farms, allowing for a total of

6,664 pigs. Galway has 10 deer farms, accounting for 411 deer. The West has the fewest pigs

in the country but has the largest number of deer. Cavan has the most pigs in the State

(332,880), accounting for 50 times as many as Galway, but has only 20 extra farms. Cork in

comparison has 39 times more pigs than Galway but has 140 more farms (see Table 7) (CSO,

2012).

Table 7: Comparison of National and Regional Pig and Deer Statistics

Region Total Pigs Total Pig Farms Total Deer Total Deer

Farms State 1,516,291 1,209 5,239 183 West 48,511 180 1,306 40 Galway 6,664 60 411 10 Cavan 332,880 80 149 10 Cork 259,031 200 1,036 30 Kerry 37,681 40 139 10




As of 2010, Galway also has 810 poultry farms with a total of 38,784 poultry birds. Galway has

the largest amount of poultry farms in Ireland after Cork, which has 910 farms. Although Cork

has the largest number of poultry farms, there are four other poultry farms with more birds,

including Monaghan with 5,847,740 birds and Cavan with 1,097,381 birds. In the West, Mayo

has the largest number of birds (131,889), accounting for 69% of the West’s poultry stock (see

Figure 22) (CSO, 2012).

Figure 22: Comparison of National and Regional Poultry Farms


3.5 Regional Milk Market

There are currently 151 liquid milk producers in County Galway. These producers supply 5

pasteurising plants; Connacht Gold, Kerry, Glenisk and two Arrabawn plants (Galway County

Council, 2014). The average milk sales for Galway is 972 million litres, while the national

average total milk sales is 4534 million litres (Läpple & Hennessy, 2012).

Total Poultry Poultry Farms

0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

State West Galway Mayo Cork Kerry Monaghan Cavan

Total Poultry 10,924,807 191,248 38,784 131,889 833,046 24,791 5,847,740 1,097,381

Poultry Farms 8,520 1,820 810 760 910 460 350 270



Arrabawn in Galway was founded in 2001 through the Merger of the Mid-West Farmers Co-op

and the Nenagh Co-op. Arrabawn Dairies dates back in the Mid-West for generations through a

series of mergers and acquisitions including Oranmore Dairies, and Kilconnell Co-op. In 2004

all liquid milk production for the group was centralised at a new state of the art plant in

Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway (Arrabawn, 2015). In 2010 Arrabawn Dairies acquired Dawn

Dairies Galway, the Dawn brand is now produced in Kilconnell. Today Arrabawn Dairies is

supplied by 120 local dedicated liquid milk farmers and employs 130 people throughout its

operations. In 2014 17 Arrabawn suppliers from Galway have recently been presented with The

Animal Health Ireland CellCheck Milking Quality award. This award illustrates that improving

technical efficiencies can increase profitability on dairy farms up to 500%. With a 109 cow herd

example, low efficiency levels would see surplus cash margins of €90 per cow per year, but by

enhancing technical performance , returns of up to €480 per cow could be achieved, which is a

500% increase (Tierney, 2014).

Although Galway County has only the sixth largest number of dairy cows in Ireland, the quality

of milk produced has won awards. The inaugural Irish Dairy Board (IDB) Dairy Farmer of the

Year award was presented to Galway farmers Noel and Bernadette O’Toole in 2010. They own

125 dairy cows on 61 hectares of land. The farm has a quota of 530,000 litres, with a herd

average of €105 (Dermody, 2010).

3.6 Sector Development and Support

An upsurge in local farmers’ markets, food festivals and general consumer interest in locally

produced food has encouraged the local farming and food sectors to respond through the

diversification of products and new enterprises. Local food tourism has been identified as a

potential niche product within the West of Ireland with a tourist trail based on a network of local

producers in development. ‘Connemara Hill Lamb’ has gained wide recognition as a registered

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) (Jones & Woods, 2010). There are 10 farmers’

markets in operation in Galway City. Galway has the fourth largest number of farmers’ markets

in Ireland, after Dublin, Cork and Kerry. The Kinvara Farmers’ Market, the Moycullen Market

and the Roundstone Country Market all meet the criteria for the Code of Good Practice for

Farmers’ Markets (Bord Bia, 2014b). There are over 80 farmers’ markets in the country, and

that number is increasing. Table 8 lists Galway’s farmers markets and Figure 23 compares the

number of farmers’ markets in each county.



Table 8: Galway’s Farmers Markets

Market Location Ballinasloe Farmers Market Ballinasloe Clifden Farmers Market Clifden Galway Market Galway Indoor Food & Craft Fair Galway Kinvara Farmers Market KinvaraKinvara Mountbellew Local Food Market Mountbellew Moycullen Moycullen Oranmore Producers Market Oranmore Roundstone Country Market Roundstone The Village Market Oughterard (Adapted from Bord Bia, 2014b). Figure 23: Number of Farmer’s Markets in Ireland

(Adapted from Bord Bia, 2014b)

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Carlow Cavan Clare Cork

Dublin Galway Kerry

Kildare Kilkenny

Laois Leitrim

Limerick Longford

Louth Mayo Meath

Monaghan Offaly

Roscommon Sligo

Tipperary Waterford Westmeath

Wexford Wicklow

Number of Farmers Markets



Mountbellew Agricultural College in collaboration with Teagasc, GMIT, VEC and FÁS has

provided agricultural education since 1904. It provides a foreign language facility as well as 200

hectares of farmland, including a 90 cow dairy herd and a 50 unit calf to beef enterprise. There

is also a sheep flock of 500 ewes and a 1200 store lamb enterprise. The cereal enterprise

consists of 30 hectares of oats and barley. Alternative enterprises of deer, organic farming,

forestry and Irish Draft horses have also been established (Teagasc, 2015).

LEADER is an EU funded programme aimed to improve the quality of life in rural areas and to

diversify the rural economy. The programme is delivered by a network of 35 Local

Development Companies throughout Ireland such as Galway Rural Development Company Ltd.

The 2007 – 2013 programme helped farmers to diversify into non-agricultural activities; it

supported the creation and development of micro-enterprises; it supported tourism activities; it

provided and improved basic services for the rural economy; it enhanced villages; conserved

and upgraded rural heritage and provided training to develop skills and build the capacity of

local communities to develop local strategies (GRD, 2013). Funds of €250 million for the

LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 have recently been

announced by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, which will

greatly benefit rural Galway and Mayo. Due to the new Local Government Reform Act 2014,

this money will be controlled at a local level and therefore the allocation of resources will be

more targeted, cost effective and efficient. Although this is of huge benefit, it is a reduction in

funds from €423 million in the 2007-14 programme (Roche, 2014).

3.7 Galway County and City Food Markets

There are 19 food markets in operation in Galway County (see Table 6). Three of these have

successfully met the criteria for the Code of Good Practice for Farmers’ Markets. They include

the Kinvara Farmers Market, the Moycullen Market and the Roundstone Country Market (Bord

Bia, 2014).



Table 6: Galway County Farmers Markets

Farmers Market Location

Ballinasloe Farmers Market Croffy's Centre, Main Street, Ballinasloe Ballinasloe Country Market Town Hall Theatre Clifden Farmers Market The Square, Clifden Kinvara Farmers Market The Square Kinvara Loughrea Market Barrack StreetLoughrea Mountbellew Local Food Market Mountbellew Moycullen Market An Fuaran (opp. The Forge Pub)Moycullen Oranmore Producers Market Behind Church, Oranmore Roundstone Country Market Roundstone, Connemara The Village Market Supermacs Oughterard Ballyconneely Country Market Ballyconneely Margadh an Spideal Spideal Athenry Local Market Athenry Portumna Country Market Portumna Adrahan Farmers Market Adrahan Headford Farmers Market Keady’s Carpark, The Square, Headford Monivea Village Market Monivea Green Tuam Market Place Tuam Shopping Centre Plaza Claregalway Family Indoor Market

Claregalway Corporate Park

(Adapted from Bord Bia, 2014; MAST, 2015).

Galway City hosts four markets (see Table 7). The Galway Farmers Market, located in Church

Lane in the centre of Galway city has been trading for centuries. It comprises of hundreds of

stalls varying in foods from around the world. The Christmas Market opens annually from 14th

December until 24th December selling a variety of homemade foodstuffs.

Table 7: Galway City Farmers Markets

Farmers Market Location

Galway Farmers Market Beside St Nicholas Church, Galway Indoor Food & Craft Fair St. Mary's Hall, The Claddagh, Galway Roscam Indoor & Outdoor Market Castlegar Sports Hall, Roscam Flea Style Market Factory Galway 36 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway (Adapted from Bord Bia, 2014).



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